Canada’s pivotal role in the Great War is powerfully showcased through the "Vimy, the Somme" tour. Immersing visitors in the key battles of Vimy Ridge and Beaumont Hamel, the tour brings to life the bravery and sacrifices of Canadian troops. With expert guidance, participants explore interactive exhibits, preserved trenches, and poignant memorials – gaining a deeper understanding of this momentous chapter in history. What insights await those who embark on this captivating journey?

Contents show

Key Points

The tour departs from Amiens or Arras at 9:00 am and lasts 7 hours, focusing on Canada’s involvement in the Great War.
Visitors explore key battlegrounds and memorials, including Vimy Ridge, Beaumont Hamel, Thiepval, and Pozières, led by an expert guide.
The Vimy Ridge Interpretive Center provides an overview of the Battle of Vimy Ridge through interactive exhibits, audiovisual presentations, and guided tours.
Visitors explore preserved trenches and underground tunnels at the actual battlegrounds, experiencing the claustrophobic conditions faced by soldiers.
The tour continues to Beaumont Hamel Visitor Center and Memorial Park, showcasing the Newfoundland Regiment’s casualties, and visits the Hawthorn Crater and Tank Memorial.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Departure and Overview

The tour departs from the participant’s hotel in either Amiens or Arras at 9:00 am, embarking on a comprehensive exploration of Canada’s involvement in the Great War.

Over the course of 7 hours, the tour provides an in-depth look at key battlegrounds and memorials, including Vimy Ridge, Beaumont Hamel, Thiepval, and Pozières.

The tour provides an in-depth exploration of key battlegrounds and memorials from the Great War, including Vimy Ridge, Beaumont Hamel, Thiepval, and Pozières.

Travelers will visit interpretive centers, trenches, and underground tunnels to gain a deeper understanding of Canada’s pivotal role in the conflict.

The tour is led by an expert guide and includes private transportation and bottled water, with flexibility for participants to reserve and pay later.

Looking for more options in Amiens? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.

Vimy Ridge Interpretive Center

Visitors arrive at the Vimy Ridge Interpretive Center, a state-of-the-art facility that provides a rundown of the historic battle.

The center features:

Interactive exhibits showcasing the strategy, tactics, and technology of the Battle of Vimy Ridge
Immersive audiovisual presentations that transport visitors to the frontlines and convey the personal stories of the soldiers
Artifacts and historical documents that bring the events to life
Guided tours led by knowledgeable interpreters, offering deep insights into Canada’s pivotal role in the war effort.

After exploring the center, visitors can venture out to the actual battleground, where the trenches and tunnels provide a tangible connection to the past.

Trenches and Underground Tunnels

After exploring the Vimy Ridge Interpretive Center, visitors can venture out to the actual battleground, where the meticulously preserved trenches and intricate underground tunnels provide a tangible connection to the past.

Crawling through the cramped, damp tunnels, visitors gain a sense of the claustrophobic conditions soldiers endured.

Tracing the lines of the trenches, they imagine the fear and determination of the Canadian troops who fought bravely to capture this strategic high ground.

These physical remnants of the Great War battle evoke the sacrifices and hardships experienced by the soldiers, bringing history to life.

Beaumont Hamel Visitor Center and Memorial Park

From the Vimy Ridge Interpretive Center, the tour continues to the Beaumont Hamel Visitor Center and Memorial Park.

Visitors explore the preserved World War I trenches and tunnels, learning about the disastrous first day of the Battle of the Somme when the Newfoundland Regiment suffered heavy casualties.

Key features include:

Newfoundland Memorial Park with restored trench lines and commemorative sculptures
Visitors’ center with interactive exhibits and historical accounts
Preserved dugouts and underground tunnels used by soldiers
Preserved no man’s land with signs marking the frontline positions

The tour provides an immersive experience of the battlefield, honoring the sacrifices of the Canadian forces.

More Great Tours Nearby

Hawthorn Crater and Fortified Positions

The tour next visits the Hawthorn Crater, a dramatic site where an underground mine explosion devastated German defenses during the Battle of the Somme.

The massive crater measures 300 feet across and 90 feet deep, a testament to the incredible power unleashed that day.

Nearby, the group explores the remnants of Thiepval and Mouquet Farm, once a heavily fortified German position that withstood repeated Canadian assaults.

The guides bring the battle to life, describing how the tough fighting here exemplified the immense challenges faced by Canadian troops during the Somme offensive.

There's plenty more to explore in Amiens

Tank Memorial and Flers Courcellette Canadian Memorial

Next, the tour visits the Tank memorial near Pozières, a site commemorating the first use of tanks in battle during the Somme offensive.

The memorial pays tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of the tanks and their crews.

The memorial pays tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of the tanks and their crews.

Visitors can:

Learn about the role of tanks in the Battle of the Somme
Explore the history and significance of this landmark
Reflect on the technological advancements that changed warfare
Appreciate the human cost of this pivotal moment in Canadian military history

The tour then continues to the Flers Courcellette Canadian Memorial, honoring the Canadian forces who fought in this battle.

Exploring the Battlefields and Sites

After departing from Amiens or Arras, the tour takes visitors on a journey through the historic battlefields and sites that played a pivotal role in Canada’s involvement in the Great War.

Exploring Vimy Ridge, visitors learn about the iconic Canadian victory and its lasting impact.

The tour then heads to Beaumont-Hamel, where the Newfoundland Memorial Park preserves the trenches and terrain.

At Hawthorn Crater, the site of a massive underground explosion, the guide provides insights into the tactics and technology of the war.

Throughout the day, the tour immerses participants in the rich history of Canada’s military contributions.

Return to Amiens

As the day’s exploration of the historic Canadian battlefields draws to a close, the tour returns to Amiens.

The group reflects on the sacrifices and triumphs witnessed throughout the day. Key takeaways include:

Visiting the Vimy Ridge interpretive center, trenches, and underground tunnels
Exploring the Beaumont Hamel visitor center and Memorial Park trenches
Discovering the Hawthorn Crater, the site of devastating underground explosions
Paying respects at the Thiepval and Mouquet Farm memorials

With a deeper understanding of Canada’s role in the Great War, the tour participants depart, their minds filled with the powerful stories of this poignant chapter in history.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are the Start and End Times of the Tour?

The tour departs at 9:00 am and returns to Amiens, though the exact ending time isn’t specified. The overview notes the total duration is 7 hours.

Are There Any Discounts or Package Deals Available?

No specific discounts or package deals are mentioned. The tour is priced at Kč 14,938 per group (up to 4 participants), with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Can the Tour Be Customized or Personalized for Specific Interests?

The tour can be customized to accommodate specific interests. Travelers can work with the tour provider to adjust the itinerary or focus areas based on their preferences, allowing for a more personalized experience.

What Is the Policy for Bringing Food and Drinks on the Tour?

The tour does not include food or drinks, but participants are welcome to bring their own snacks and beverages. The vehicle provides bottled water during the tour. Individuals are responsible for their personal expenses and souvenirs.

Is There Any Assistance Available for Travelers With Limited Mobility?

The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users, as per the participant restrictions. No specific assistance is available for travelers with limited mobility. It’s advised to check with the tour operator regarding any accommodation needs.

The Sum Up

The Vimy, the Somme tour offers an immersive and poignant experience, guiding visitors through Canada’s defining contributions during World War I. Exploring key battlegrounds and interactive exhibits, participants gain a deeper understanding of the sacrifices made by Canadian troops. This tour provides a profound opportunity to honor the legacy of those who fought and fell in this pivotal conflict.

You can check availability for your dates here: